A framework to prioritize conservation practice placement based on catchment biophysical characteristics

Conservation practices (CPs) are crucial in meeting water quality restoration goals in agriculture-dominant watersheds. The Agricultural Conservation Practice Framework (ACPF) tool has been used to identify potential CP locations. The ACPF provides suggestions for CP locations based on landscape characteristics. CPs implemented in high-nutrient loading areas provide maximum water quality benefits. Prioritization of ACPF suggested CPs based on their water quality improvement potential and construction cost could be used to identify feasible locations that deliver maximum benefit. This study explores different options for prioritization of ACPF suggested CPs in a watershed using the water quality model, Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), landscape biophysical attributes, and cost analysis. A decision framework to prioritize ACPF-suggested CP locations was developed to maximize water quality benefits economically. The framework was tested in two HUC-12 agricultural watersheds located in Pennsylvania, US (Conewago and Upper Mahatango). The prioritization framework showed that only 87 and 10 prioritized GWW, out of ACPF suggested 436 and 190 in Conewago and Mahatango were sufficient to meet 750 Mg/ha/y sediment loss reduction goals. The framework is very effective in prioritizing CP placements however requires landscape nutrient loading rates from the simulation model. We are currently working towards improving the framework with only landscape biophysical attributes for prioritizing ACPF identified CPs.